Securable retaining wall block and system

ABSTRACT

An interlocking retaining wall block, adapted for assembly into a retaining wall system including a plurality of stacked rows of at least a plurality of the blocks and a stabilizing element. The block includes left, right, front and rear body portions, the front and rear body portions of the blocks being connected by the left and right body portions, defining a void therebetween and a substantially planar rear wall portion. The block further includes at least a left and a right aligning element extending upwardly from an upper surface of the block, wherein a height of the rear wall portion of the block is substantially lower than a height of the left and right aligning elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from, and incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/001,220, filed Oct. 31, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to securable retaining walls, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to retaining wall systems and methods using retaining wall blocks of selectively reduced weight and select stabilizing elements therewith.

2. History of Related Art

Retaining walls of various designs have been used in general construction, and particularly in landscaping for many years. The design of, the weight in, and the materials used for, such retaining walls have varied over time. Retaining walls are typically used to support or retain soil or the like in place, but also may be used to enhance the appearance of a surrounding area. Such walls typically stand on a ground region and retain there behind an earthen section or other fill material, which earthen section would otherwise form a natural slope in place of the retaining wall. Such retaining walls are typically vertical or at a slight angle. A generally vertical retaining wall may begin to deform as a mass of the earth retained behind it presses against it. A wall must resist this tendency. In addition, designers of retaining walls are constantly striving to construct more economical and aesthetically pleasing retaining walls having greater strength and less weight.

One of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing forms of retaining wall construction involves the use of manually positionable individual blocks. The blocks may be stacked on top of the other to form a pattern on an outside face of the retaining wall. It can be very time consuming and tedious aligning numerous blocks to form the proper pattern in the retaining wall. Heavier retaining wall blocks are typically harder to handle than lighter weight blocks. In addition, a retaining wall may have one or more curved portions. The very design of many retaining wall blocks to assist in maintaining stability may be counter to the formation of a curved wall portion. In addition, certain retaining wall anchors are very cumbersome and laborious to install. Wall anchors include one end which is placed in a void of a retaining wall block. The block is then filled with concrete or similar substance in order to secure the anchor attachment. The concrete must then dry or settle before the assembly of the retaining wall can continue. A block for retaining walls and a retaining wall system is needed which provides enhanced structural support for individual blocks in both curved and linear wall portions, and is simple to use as well as simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Related art references discussing subject matter bearing some relations to matters discussed herein include U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,042 to Dueck (Dueck), U.S. Pat. No. Re. 37,278 to Forsberg (Forsberg), U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,183 to Woolford (Woolford), U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,761 to Rossi (Rossi), U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,898 to Beretta (Beretta), U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,216 to Sievert (Seivert), U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,130 to Shatley (Shatley), U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,236 to Gravier (Gravier), German Gebrauschsmuster DE 295 00 694 U1 to Ming Su (Ming Su), U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,006 to Dawson (Dawson), U.S. Pat. No. 380,560 to Forsberg, U.S. Design Pat. No. 384,168 to Stevenson, U.S. Design Pat. No. 397,451 to Stevenson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,525 to Miller (Miller), U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,097 to Martin (Martin), U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,623 to Anderson et al (Anderson), U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,511 to Keller, Jr. (Keller), U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,551 to Scheiwiller (Scheiwiller), U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,320 B1 to Di Lorenzo (Di Lorenzo), U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,275 to Trahan (Trahan), U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,293 to Brown (Brown), U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,682 to Eagan (Egan), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,059B1 to Cantarano et al (Cantarano).

In broad terms, and not to be interpreted as comprehensive, the above patents may be said to disclose the following: Dueck discloses a retaining wall block with downward-extending cylindrical knobs. Forsberg discloses pins and pockets for interlocking overlapping blocks. Woolford discloses a masonry block which has a centrally-located and dogbone-shaped, or two centrally-located circular, protrusions aligned with an opposing inset (or insets) extending partially into the block. Rossi discloses dry-mounted construction elements for use in a retaining wall with a series of openings within each block. Beretta discloses retraining wall blocks with a cambered front, tapering side walls and an abutment for engagement with an adjacent lower block. Sievert discloses a solid composite masonry retaining wall block with a flange extending down from the block back surface past the height of the block. Shatley discloses a retaining wall building block with rearward and forward aligning elements extending downward, holes extend through the blocks and pins for interlocking them together. Graiver discloses retaining wall blocks with an upward lateral extending front lip and a laterally extending recess. Dawson discloses a retaining wall block with a flange extending downward from the block's rear surface. The Forsberg design patent discloses a three faceted broken front face retaining wall block with a rear edge protrusion from the bottom surface of the block. The 384,168 Stevenson design patent discloses a retaining wall block with 2 rear protrusions from the bottom surface of the block. The 397,451 Stevenson design patent discloses a portion of a retaining block wall using the retaining wall blocks of the 384,168 design patent. Miller discloses a groove in the side of a block. Martin discloses an array of projections on the top face of a block that fits into an array of apertures on a bottom fact of a higher block. Anderson discloses vertical rods inserted through holes of the blocks in order to form reinforced columns. Keller discloses block having a dovetail section for fitting together with adjacent blocks. The Scheiwiller discloses blocks having holes for attaching with other blocks by filling the holes with concrete. Di Lorenzo discloses wall flanges held together by rods or cables that are held in each adjacent brick. Trahan discloses a block with a lower lip that fits into the block below it. Brown discloses a wall using a tieback to connect to a lower member. Egan discloses a modular wall block with rearward abscesses for receiving grid connectors. Cantarano discloses a wall form panel with interlocking protrusions around the edges which make the panel reversibly symmetric.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An interlocking retaining wall block, adapted for assembly into a retaining wall system including a plurality of stacked rows of at least a plurality of the blocks and a stabilizing element. The block includes left, right, front and rear body portions, the front and rear body portions of the blocks being connected by the left and right body portions, defining a void therebetween and a substantially planar rear wall portion. The block further includes at least a left and a right aligning element extending upwardly from an upper surface of the block, wherein a height of the rear wall portion of the block is substantially lower than a height of the left and right aligning elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the method and system of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of an interlocking block constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side elevational view illustrating an interlocking block of FIG. 1A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of interlocking block of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating a plurality of interlocking blocks of FIG. 1A coupled together in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a plurality of interlocking blocks of FIG. 1A coupled together in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of interlocking blocks of FIG. 1A coupled together in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a retaining wall system incorporating interlocking wall blocks, stabilizing elements, and anchoring elements forming that wall, and the method of manufacture of the interlocking wall blocks.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2 in combination, a plurality of interlocking retaining wall blocks 1 are used in construction of a retaining wall system 50, which rests upon the ground comprising a supporting surface thereof. Each of the plurality of interlocking blocks 1 is formed to support both the weight of the interlocking blocks 1 disposed above, and also to resist the force of fill material behind, and supported by, the retaining wall system 50. In a typical embodiment, concrete or brick is used to form the interlocking block 1. The interlocking block 1 comprises a block body 27 comprising a left body portion 20 and an opposing right body portion 21, which each join a front body portion 18 opposing a rear body portion 19. In a typical embodiment, the rear body portion 19 may be, for example, a rear wall portion of the interlocking block 1. The left body portion 20 further includes a left interior surface 11, a left exterior surface 14, and upper and lower surfaces 2, 3. In a typical embodiment, the upper surface 2 and lower surface 3 may be substantially flat. Similarly, the right body portion 21 includes a right interior surface 12, a right exterior surface 15, and upper and lower surfaces 2, 3. The width of the front body portion 18 may vary, depending on the construction of the interlocking block 1, and whether and how the interlocking block 1 is split during that construction.

In a typical embodiment, the front body portion 18 may have, for example, a “flat” front (not explicitly shown), or may be “faceted.” Each front body portion 18 has a forward interior surface 10, left and right facets 5, front facet 4, and upper and lower surfaces 2, 3. The rear wall portion 19 includes a rear interior surface 9, left and right exterior surfaces 14, 15, and upper and lower surfaces 2, 3. In a typical embodiment, the rear wall portion 19 and the left and right body portions 20, 21 are shown, for example, as being substantially uniform in width, but could vary. The forward interior surface 10, the rear interior surface 9 and left and right interior surfaces 11, 12 define a void 8 within the interlocking block 1. In a typical embodiment, the void 8 is substantially centered within the interlocking block 1, and is substantially trapezoidal, with the forward interior surface 10 forming the long side thereof.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2 in combination, the interlocking block 1 further includes a left aligning element 29, formed on the left body portion 20 and a right aligning element 30, formed on the right body portion 21. The aligning elements 29, 30 extend upwardly from the block body 27 and are used for aligning one interlocking block 1 with another interlocking block 1 for forming the retaining wall system 50, and for causing the interlocking blocks 1 to interlock and strengthen the wall. In a typical embodiment, the aligning elements 29, extend upwardly (rather than down from the bottom surface 3 of the block body 27) as this arrangement permits placing the interlocking blocks 1 on a flat surface without requiring further actions to accommodate a downwardly extending aligning element. For instance, a concrete footing (not explicitly shown) may be used in place of the ground. Without special design of the concrete footing, it would not accept a downwardly extending aligning element, unless the installation included the additional step of breaking off the downwardly extending aligning element, which takes some time. In addition, an interlocking block 1 with a downwardly extending aligning element, if placed on the ground, might require excavating small holes for the aligning elements, or removing them, as above.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the left and right sides of the aligning elements 29, 30 comprise, respectively, left exterior and interior surfaces 14, 11 and right interior and exterior surfaces 12, 15. The left aligning element 29 extends completely across a width of the left body portion 20; likewise, the right aligning element 30 extends completely across a width of the right body portion 21, and both are adjacent to the void 8. This exemplary design creates fewer surfaces and corners, and is thus easier to produce. However, the aligning elements 29, 30 may also be inset slightly from the left and right interior and exterior surfaces 11, 12, 14 and 15. The aligning elements 29, 30 each include a front face 16 and a rear face 17. The aligning elements 29, 30 have a substantial depth (from face 16 to 17) and extend forward from the rear face 17 a substantial portion of the length of the body portions 20, 21. In a typical embodiment, the aligning elements 29, 30 extend about one-half of the length of the body portions 20, 21, but do not extend as far forward as the forward interior surface 10.

The interlocking block 1 includes a rear wall portion 19 having a rear exterior surface 7 and a rear interior surface 9. In this embodiment, the rear faces 17 of the aligning elements 29, 30 do not extend to the rear exterior surface 7 and the rear interior surface 7 of the block body 27. In a typical embodiment, the rear wall portion 19 is substantially lower in height than the height of the aligning elements 29, 30 facilitating the rearward extension of anchoring elements as shown and disclosed in FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating a plurality of interlocking blocks 1 in a curved or angled configuration of the retaining wall system 50. FIG. 2 further illustrates a stabilizing element 51. In addition to the stabilizing force of the aligning elements 29, 30, a groove 49 (also seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B) may be provided for receipt of the stabilizing element 51 inset in the upper surface 2 of the block body 27. The groove 49 as shown herein, includes a front face 52, a rear face 54, and a bottom face 53. The groove 49 is preferably formed deep enough to retain the entire stabilizing element 51, but may also be deeper than a height of the stabilizing element 51. The stabilizing element 51, such as a length of rebar, rests in the groove 49, so that when the interlocking blocks 1 are stacked on top of each other, the upper surface 2 of the lower interlocking block 1, and the lower surface 3 of the upper interlocking block 1 are flush against each other. The groove 49 may be implemented anywhere along the upper surface 2 of the interlocking block 1, however, for this particular embodiment, the grooves 49 are laterally located between the forward interior surface 10 and the aligning elements 29, 30. In a typical embodiment, the stabilizing element 51 may be, for example, a length of rebar or other sturdy material placed between ends of individual interlocking blocks. The stabilizing element 51 may also be used to trap or hold the mesh 22 in place (not explicitly shown).

A retaining wall system 50 may also need supplementary securement in addition to the aligning elements 29, 30, and the stabilizing element 51. In a typical embodiment, a first end 60 of an anchoring element 55 may be attached at any location on the stabilizing element 51 while a second end 62 of the anchoring element 55 is secured in the ground. In a typical embodiment, the rear wall portion 19 being substantially lower in height than the height of the aligning elements 29, 30 allows a generally rearwardly extension of the anchoring element 55 directly therefrom. In this way, individual interlocking blocks 1 may be individually secured in an abutting, side-by-side angulated configuration. In a typical embodiment, the anchoring elements 55 are adapted to extend rearwardly from the stabilizing element 51 across the body of the interlocking blocks 1. These anchoring elements 55 can be placed throughout the retaining wall system 50. The anchoring elements 55 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are advantageous to previously used anchors due to the fact that the anchoring elements 55 can be individually and immediately secured to the stabilizing element 51 without waiting for drying concrete, which secured the previous anchors.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a plurality of interlocking blocks 1 in a non-curved portion of the retaining wall system 50. FIG. 3 further illustrates a stabilizing element 51. In addition to the stabilizing force of the aligning elements 29, 30, a groove 49 (also seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B) may be provided for receipt of the stabilizing element 51 inset in the upper surface 2 of the block body 27. The groove 49 as shown herein, includes a front face 52, a rear face 54, and a bottom face 53. The groove 49 is preferably formed deep enough to retain the entire stabilizing element 51, but may also be deeper than a height of the stabilizing element 51. The stabilizing element 51, such as a length of rebar, rests in the groove 49, so that when the interlocking blocks 1 are stacked on top of each other, the upper surface 2 of the lower interlocking block 1, and the lower surface 3 of the upper interlocking block 1 are flush against each other. The groove 49 may be implemented anywhere along the upper surface 2 of the interlocking block 1, however, for this particular embodiment, the grooves 49 are laterally located between the forward interior surface 10 and the aligning elements 29, 30. In a typical embodiment, the stabilizing element 51 may be, for example, a length of rebar or other sturdy material placed between ends of individual interlocking blocks 1. The stabilizing element 51 may also be used to trap or hold the mesh 22 in place (not explicitly shown).

A retaining wall system 50 may also need supplementary securement in addition to the aligning elements 29, 30, and the stabilizing element 51. In a typical embodiment, a first end 60 of an anchoring element 55 may be attached at any location on the stabilizing element 51 while a second end 62 of the anchoring element 55 is secured in the ground. In a typical embodiment, the rear wall portion 19 being substantially lower in height than the height of the aligning elements 29, 30 allows a generally rearwardly extension of the anchoring element 55 directly therefrom. In this way, individual interlocking blocks 1 may be individually secured in an abutting, side-by-side angulated configuration. In a typical embodiment, the anchoring elements 55 are adapted to extend rearwardly from the stabilizing element 51 across the body of the interlocking blocks 1 These anchoring elements 55 can be placed throughout the retaining wall system 50. The anchoring elements 55 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention are advantageous to previously used anchors due to the fact that the anchoring elements 55 can be individually and immediately secured to the stabilizing element 51 without waiting for drying concrete, which secured the previous anchors.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of interlocking blocks of FIG. 1A coupled together in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a manner in which the exemplary interlocking blocks 1 include a rear wall portion 19 which is substantially lower in height than the height of the aligning elements 29, 30 allowing a generally rearwardly extension of the anchoring element 55 directly therefrom allowing for the interlocking blocks 1 to be individually secured. For example, FIG. 4 clearly illustrates that the rear wall portion 19 of the interlocking block 1 is substantially lower in height than the height of the aligning elements 29, 30 facilitating the rearward extension of the anchoring element 55 thereacross.

Although various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth herein. 

1. An interlocking retaining wall block, adapted for assembly into a retaining wall system including a plurality of stacked rows of at least a plurality of the blocks and a stabilizing element, the block comprising: left, right, front and rear body portions, the front and rear body portions of the blocks being connected by the left and right body portions, defining a void therebetween; a substantially planar rear wall portion; and at least a left and a right aligning element extending upwardly from an upper surface of the block, wherein a height of the rear wall portion of the block is substantially lower than a height of the left and right aligning elements.
 2. The interlocking block of claim 1, wherein the interlocking block is operable to be secured by the stabilizing element, the interlocking block further comprising a groove.
 3. The interlocking block of claim 2, wherein the groove comprises: a front surface; a rear surface; and a bottom surface.
 4. The interlocking block of claim 3, wherein the groove extends laterally rearward of the front body portion and forward of the rear body portion.
 5. The interlocking block of claim 3, wherein the groove is adapted to receive the stabilizing element.
 6. The interlocking block of claim 2, wherein the interlocking block is operable to be further secured by at least one anchoring element.
 7. The interlocking block of claim 6, wherein a first end of the anchoring element is attached at any location on the stabilizing element and a second end of the anchoring element is secured to ground.
 8. The interlocking block of claim 7, wherein the at least one anchoring element is adapted to extend rearwardly from the stabilizing element across the block.
 9. The interlocking block of claim 6, wherein the at least one anchoring element is adapted to individually secure the interlocking block.
 10. The interlocking block of claim 6, wherein the rear wall portion of the interlocking block is substantially lower in height than the height of the left and right aligning elements facilitates rearward extension of the at least one anchoring element thereacross and individually secures the interlocking block.
 11. A method of constructing an interlocking retaining wall block, comprising the steps of: forming left and right body portions and front and rear body portions, wherein the front and rear body portions are connected by the left and right body portions, and define a void therebetween; forming a substantially planar rear wall portion; and forming at least one aligning element extending upwardly from an upper surface of the block, wherein a height of the rear wall portion of the block is substantially lower than a height of the left and right aligning elements. 